THE CREMATION PROCESS EXPLAINED
Cremation services have become the preferred practice for many people, especially in the UK, in 2018 with more than 80% of individuals who die each year undergoing the cremation process. The practice itself has been around for thousands of years. While many of its techniques have evolved over time, the core concept of cremations still remains much the same.
The Cremation Process Explained
Cremation is a process that transforms the remains of a person who has died into “ashes” using intense heat. These ashes are made up of tiny fragments of bone that are left in the burning process. A typical cremation involves five steps, each with its own set of techniques and practices to follow:
The deceased is identified, and proper authorisation is obtained.
The body is prepared and placed into a suitable coffin in preparation for cremation.
The coffin is moved to the catafalque in the service room or chapel and then to the cremation chamber.
After cremation, the remaining metal is removed using a magnet or filter, and the remains are broken down into a finer residue using a cremulator.
The ashes are then transferred to either a temporary container or in an urn provided by the family.
Frequently Asked Questions
The process of cremation is relatively simple, however, compared to other burial options, it does have some mystery that leaves a lot of people wondering about what it entails. Here are some frequently asked questions about cremation services that you should know about.
1. How is the body identified before cremation?
To make sure your loved one’s remains are properly handled and identified, reputable crematoria have strict procedures in place. In most cases, the funeral director, coroner, medical professionals, registrar and family or executor provide the necessary paperwork to authorise the cremation. A typical identification procedure will include a family member confirming the identity of the deceased. The funeral director, medical professional, doctor or carer will place an identification wrist tag on the body.
2. How is the body prepared for a cremation?
Usually, the body is cleaned and dressed before cremation. There is no embalming unless you have a public viewing and only once you have given permission for it to be undertaken. At the request of the family, the funeral director will remove all of the deceased’s possessions, including jewellery and other items that you would like to keep. Any medical devices installed in the deceased’s body will also be removed prior to the actual cremation. Glass and metal objects must be removed from the casket.
3. What happens when the body gets cremated?
While there is fire involved in cremating, the body itself isn’t set on fire. The cremation process uses flames to create extreme heat in a specially designed furnace. During the cremation process, the furnace can reach up to 1800℉. That level of heat is capable of reducing the body to gases and bone fragments, which are then placed in a cremulator, converting the fragments into ashes. Each cremation has its own separate chamber ensuring the ashes of only the individual are collected afterwards. The Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities represents 85% of crematoria in the UK, with each crematorium strictly adhering to a code of conduct.
Conclusion
These are just some of the common questions people ask about the process of cremation. It’s a relatively simple, quick, efficient, and very practical for a lot of people. If you want to honour your loved ones, cremation acts as a respectful and dignified send off to the deceased, just like other burial methods.
If you still wish to find out more information then it is worth contacting your local crematorium. Many hold annual open days and will allow you to book a tour of their facilities to help understand each stage of a cremation.
Holmes & Family Funeral Directors has been serving clients in the UK for more than 30 years. We make sure that your loved ones get proper care and treatment as we prepare their body for the final burial rites. Our local funeral home is always available at your disposal should you need us in this difficult time. Give us a call today, and let us attend to your needs.